Robert Shorton facts for kids
Robert Shorton (died 17 October 1535) was an English church leader and a scholar. He was the first head of St John's College, Cambridge and also served as an Archdeacon of Bath.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Shorton was one of the first students at Jesus College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1501. He then got his master's degree (M.A.) in 1503. In 1505, he became a fellow at Pembroke Hall, another college in Cambridge.
In 1507, he was chosen to give a special speech to the university. He earned his B.D. degree in 1509. That same year, he was selected to teach a special class on religious studies.
Leading St John's College
On April 9, 1511, Robert Shorton became the very first Master of St. John's College. This college was brand new, started by Lady Margaret Beaufort. Shorton was in charge of overseeing the building work for the college. He left this important job before 1517.
Working with Cardinal Wolsey
Robert Shorton also worked closely with Thomas Wolsey, a powerful church leader. Shorton was the dean of Wolsey's chapel. Because of Wolsey's influence, Shorton received many important positions.
In 1517, he became a church official in York. He later exchanged this role for another in the same area in 1523. In October 1518, he was chosen to be the Master of Pembroke Hall. He also became a rector (a type of church leader) in Sedgefield, County Durham, that same year.
Shorton continued to gain more roles. In 1522, he became rector of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire. In 1523, he received another important position in Lincoln Cathedral. Around this time, he helped Wolsey choose smart students from Cambridge to join Wolsey's new college, Cardinal College, in Oxford. Shorton received an honorary degree from Oxford in 1525.
Later Career and Beliefs
On April 8, 1527, Robert Shorton became a canon (a type of priest) at Windsor. He was also the almoner (a person who gives charity) for Queen Catherine of Aragon. Shorton was a strong Catholic. He supported Queen Catherine when King Henry VIII wanted to divorce her. He was one of the few church leaders who stood by her side during this difficult time.
In 1529, Queen Catherine appointed him Master of the college of Stoke-by-Clare in Sussex. In 1534, he left his role as Master of Pembroke Hall. This college was becoming more Protestant, which was different from Shorton's Catholic beliefs.
In 1535, he became the Archdeacon of Bath. Robert Shorton passed away on October 17, 1535. He was buried at Stoke-by-Clare. In his will, he left money to four different colleges in Cambridge.
